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Winterset Woman Questions Hometown's Role in Cancer Battle

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mackenzie Dryden, a resident of Winterset, Iowa, was diagnosed with cancer at age 18, an event that changed her life and prompted reflection on her hometown.
The diagnosis led Dryden to question whether something in her beloved hometown contributed to her illness.
She recalls a joyful childhood spent running barefoot in cornfields before the cancer diagnosis.

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Story summary

Mackenzie Dryden, a resident of Winterset, Iowa, was diagnosed with cancer at age 18, an event that changed her life and prompted reflection on her hometown.
The diagnosis led Dryden to question whether something in her beloved hometown contributed to her illness.
She recalls a joyful childhood spent running barefoot in cornfields before the cancer diagnosis.